JAPAN has placed a temporary ban on Australian mango imports after unidentified insect larvae were found in a mango at a southeast Queensland export facility.
Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service inspectors found the larvae in a batch of premium mangoes that had already received vapour heat treatment and were ready for shipping.
It is understood the ban could last for up to 20 days while inspectors wait for the larvae to hatch.
Australian Mango Industry Association development manager Trevor Dunmall said it was disappointing Japan had halted all Australian mango imports, rather than just those from the plant concerned.
"The Japanese market for Australian mangoes is worth $2-$3 million a year," Mr Dunmall said.
"While we are well through the season it is an important market and in the short-term there's no fruit going through, so we hope we can resolve this as soon as possible."
Mr Dunmall said the mangoes sent to Japan were the "best of the best" and such an occurrence was extremely rare.
